The 2011 “Agriculture is Cool” program inspired by the initiative of Gov. John R. Kasich included several interactive education stations throughout the Ohio State Fair where students could learn about the many ways Ohio’s largest industry – agriculture – impacts many facets of their everyday lives. The program, which also offered scholarships to top participants, was recognized as the best special or specific agricultural education exhibit, event or program for the fairgoing public for fairs with annual attendance between 500,001 and 1 million.

The award was presented during a special awards ceremony held on November 29 during the 121st Annual IAFE Convention. In addition, the Ohio State Fair received eight different awards in the marketing division.

Ohio State Fair General Manager Virgil Strickler explained, “The Ohio State Fair has long been a favorite family tradition and an active participant in the international community of fairs and expositions. I’m thrilled that a panel of industry leaders recognized our great state for excellence from a pool of more than 3,000 members from around the world.”

The “Agriculture is Cool” program will be open to visitors of all ages during the 2012 Ohio State Fair, July 25 – Aug. 5. For the second consecutive year, exiting fourth grade students (2011-2012 academic year) and a chaperone will be admitted for free upon presentation of a valid report card at the entrance gates.

Ohio Farm Bureau Federation is a member of American Farm Bureau Federation®, a national organization of farmers and ranchers including Farm Bureau® organizations in 49 other states and Puerto Rico, and is responsible for Farm Bureau membership and programs within the State of Ohio. Ohio Farm Bureau Federation programs and services are available only to Farm Bureau members within Ohio. The political views expressed in these pages represent Ohio Farm Bureau Federation's positions on various issues as they relate to Ohio. The positions of the national Farm Bureau organization collectively are expressed through American Farm Bureau Federation. Any opinions, statements or views expressed through comments or by outside contributors are the express views of those individuals and do not necessarily represent the views of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.